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Women held over dog attack death

Detectives investigating the death of a pensioner killed by an "out of control dog" are questioning two women on suspicion of manslaughter.

Clifford Clarke, 79, was in the garden of his home in Clubmoor, Liverpool, when the dog attacked around 8.30pm last night, Merseyside Police said.

Two local women aged 27 and 28, arrested last night on suspicion of an offence under the Dangerous Dogs Act, 1991, were rearrested over the more serious offence today.

A force spokesman said a post-mortem examination this afternoon had revealed Mr Clarke died from "multiple injuries consistent with a dog attack".

"His next of kin and a family member have both now been informed of his death and family liaison officers have been appointed to provide support and updates regarding the police investigation," he said.

"Two women aged 28 and 27 from Clubmoor remain in police custody having been arrested at 10pm last night on suspicion of an offence under Section 3(3) the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

"They have been further arrested this afternoon on suspicion of manslaughter.

"Both are still being interviewed by detectives."

Merseyside Police earlier said officers had found Mr Clarke laying on the ground with the out-of-control dog nearby and called in an armed unit to shoot the animal.

"When they arrived, officers found the body of the man and they were confronted by a dog that was out of control," she said.

"Armed officers attended at the scene and the dog was destroyed.

"At this stage the breed of the dog is still to be established."

In March a 14-year-old girl died after she was attacked by a pack of dogs at a house in Greater Manchester.

Jade Anderson was savaged by up to five dogs at a house she was visiting in Chaucer Grove, Atherton near Wigan.